A senior partner at PKF Accountants in East Anglia said that a merger plan with BDO demonstrated a commitment to the region and local businesses.

The two firms today agreed to complete a merger by the spring of next year under the BDO brand.

The venture would employ 3,500 people in the UK and generate revenues approaching £400m.

Michael Muskett, senior partner with PKF Accountants in East Anglia, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates both firms’ commitment to the East of England and local businesses in the area. The merger means that PKF’s offices in Ipswich, Norwich and Great Yarmouth will continue to operate, and will take on the BDO brand from early 2013. These offices will be complemented by BDO’s offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Hatfield, which will also continue to operate with no change.”